Now or never for Mossley

Non-league football IT’S do or die for Mossley tomorrow as the thrilling race for the Evo-Stik League Division One North play-offs reaches its conclusion.

Lilywhites, Ramsbottom (fourth) and Trafford (fifth) are chasing a top-five spot — only two are available. Skelmersdale have long since been crowned champions, while New Mills and Cammell Laird have already booked their play-off spots.

Mossley are sixth due to an inferior goal difference, but ahead of the last-day home decider against lowly Harrogate Railway Athletic, player-boss Steve Halford said: “I’m confident that if we just win we’ll get back in the top five.

“Trafford are at home to Clitheroe, who are a strong side and will finish seventh, while Ramsbottom have got to go to Skelmersdale. That definitely won’t be easy. Skem are currently on 99 points, and I’m sure they’ll be wanting to break a league points record – currently 101.”

Halford is likely to be light on forwards for the game at Seel Park. Chris Denham and leading scorer Sam Madeley are both suspended, while Sam Hind (hamstring injury) and Kayde Coppin (ankle) are rated as 50-50.

There will be little downtime if Mossley make it: an away semi-final would come on Monday at either New Mills or Cammell Laird, with the final next Friday.